The Natural Sheep Handbook

“One of the most important aspects of learning to live on the land and work with animals is finding trusted mentors who can train you in the craft. When I first came across The Natural Sheep Handbook by Lacey Jean Carr, I was expecting a comprehensive overview of raising sheep on pasture. It is that, but much more. The Natural Sheep Handbook is one of the most accessible livestock books I have ever read. I expected to thumb through a few chapters but found that I couldn’t put it down. Lacey invites the reader into her world, as a personal friend might, and explains how to acquire your first flock, breeding and lambing considerations, treating common ailments, butchering, and processing–all from a holistic perspective which honors the animal and the land. We have our first hide curing in the barn thanks to the simple and straightforward discussion of tanning sheepskins. I highly recommend this book. Lacey is a trusted mentor that every shepherd needs to meet.”–Rory Groves, author of Durable Trades: Family-Centered Economies That Have Stood the Test of Time
“The Natural Sheep Handbook is a handbook with heart. Lacey tells it to you straight and with humor, shepherd to shepherd. Inside these pages she shares the full life of the flock: from setting up your pasture and welcoming lambs into the world to shearing day, hide tanning, butchering, and finally bringing nourishing meals to the table. Her wisdom is practical, generous, and hard-won from years in the field. Through this book, you see sheep through Lacey’s eyes–with wonder, respect, and deep appreciation. It is a true gift for any new shepherd or shepherdess, and a companion you’ll return to again and again.”–Caroline Nelson, Little Creek Feed

Lacey Jean Carr lives and shepherds in the Columbia River Gorge with her sons and her partner and photographer, Christian Sorensen. They run a small-scale natural sheepskin tannery, The Bucking Ewe. They spend their time in the tannery, raising Icelandic sheep, offering classes and workshops, and supporting other sheep ranchers and farms through mobile slaughter and processing. Lacey’s written work can be found in The Shepherd Magazine, The Good Meat Project, and Homestead Mamas magazine.

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